Decisions, Decisions...

Alright lovelies, I need your help!

I'm in the need for a change, but I don't want to do anything too drastic. Yes, I'm talking about haircuts. I've thought about getting bangs! I've been looking at a lot of pictures and what-not and I'm really itching to try them!

I tried bangs a few years ago, and they didn't turn out so hot. I think it's mostly because I didn't know how to properly style my hair or how to use a flat iron. I've gotten a lot better with styling my hair, and I think it's worth a shot! I asked my Mom what face shape she thinks I have and she described it as a "full heart." I think that makes sense. I have a roundish shaped face, but my chin does come down to a point.

Here are the pictures I've been looking at:

First up is the lovely Reese Witherspoon. I've used her as a haircut muse before, and it came out great! I love the wispyness and versatility of her bangs. It looks like she could brush them to the side if she wanted to. However...

I love, love, LOVE Zooey Deschanel's hair! Thick bangs have always held a special place in my heart, but I've always been too afraid to try them! I don't know if my fine hair can pull this off.
I do plan on dying my hair dark again. I had it colored to a dark brown back in November, but it's faded to a light honey color since then.

What do you think? Should I take the bang plunge?!

Here's a recent picture of me to help you out!
This was taken last month, so my hair is slightly longer now.

Please tell me what you think!

Later Days!
Dani

EDIT:
I found picture evidence of the last time I had bangs.
Try your best not to laugh, it's pretty bad!
(This was taken in 2007!)
(How adorable is Joe? Seriously!)
See what I mean? God knows what a flat iron could have done to make that look 49274928347 times better. Oh, and just general hair styling knowledge. Looking at that picture makes me want to run away from the whole idea of wanting bangs...but I'm still curious if it would work today! Uhhhh!! My life!

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Challenging Week

This past week has been a very challenging one.

First, we had to deal with a hellish winter storm. I had gone to work Monday knowing I'd probably get a snow day or two. I didn't think I'd be stuck at home for the next four days because of all the ice. Cabin fever doesn't really begin to describe it. I finished my book, and our internet had gone out. So all that was left was re-runs of Real Housewives and watching different movies. I went to bed pretty early each night because I was so tired after doing nothing all day. Ugh.

Even more "Ugh" worthy was me getting sick with strep! I woke up Saturday morning with a sore throat and by Sunday morning, I was nearly passing out at CareNow from dehydration. I hadn't been able to eat or drink because my throat was so sore and I couldn't swallow. I got an IV drip, pain medication and antibiotics. I'm still a little sick today, but feeling TONS better thanks to the antibiotics.

Dad also had heart surgery Monday afternoon in Austin. Nothing terribly serious, but still-it's heart surgery! He's had problems with arrhythmia for a while and medication wasn't treating it anymore. The surgery went smoothly, and him and Mom are on their way back home as I type. We had a lot to deal with this week. Snow and ice, Dad's upcoming heart surgery, and almost everyone being sick.

The hardest part of this week:
My family had to say goodbye to our dog, Ladybug.
The past few months had been pretty rough for Bug. She had become blind and deaf, and we were almost positive she was diabetic. On Friday things got worse: she wasn't eating or drinking. Ladybug was never one to refuse food or water, so we knew it was time. I think what made it worse is that it was still snowing and we had to go out in it to get her to the vet. I went with my Dad and held her in the car. I don't think she knew what was coming. My little sister was upset that I was going to the vet with Ladybug and not her. I can understand my sister's frustration cause I will admit that I had been harsh towards Bug. I think I was trying to separate myself from her so maybe when the time did come it wouldn't hit me as hard. It didn't help. I still bawled like a baby, and all I could keep saying was "I'm so sorry, Bug." I acted horribly towards her, and I probably won't forgive myself for it either.
My older sister brought Ladybug home from a friend who lived around the block. They said Ladybug liked a lot of attention, and they weren't home enough to give it to her. She was a very energetic dog. Lots of love and life! She was a great addition to our family for the next 14 years.

I'm so sorry for how I treated you towards the end. It wasn't because I didn't love you. I just didn't want to hurt so much once you were gone. That obviously didn't work-I was wrong.
Rest in Peace, Buggy. You were a great little dog.


That's all I can write for now. It's hard to see the screen through the tears.

Later Days,
Dani

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Killing some time

Hey guys!
Didn't I mention last post I was going to keep up with this thing? I'm a terrible liar, obviously. Let's see if I can try again!

Maybe the reason I don't write as often as I should is because my life really isn't interesting. I'm not saying I'm a boring person, but it just feels like there's nothing worth blogging about. I can't talk much about work because I'm in childcare, and the company I work for is kinda strict on what we talk about, work wise, on any kind of social network (blogging, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace...you get it). Let's be honest, I can only talk about me and Joe so much before I make ya'll gag or something, haha! I don't go out often enough to talk about that.
Maybe I am boring person! I have some hobbies, but they don't always last long. Such as my video editing: I did SO many videos within a few months I got burnt out...and I ran out of space on my computer. Womp, womp!

The only thing I could think to write about is my love for weddings.
( source)

Would you want to read about that? Like the whole thing? Color schemes, flowers, receptions, photography, decoration ideas, dresses and rings I love, etc, etc? What do you think? Would it be silly to write about that kinda stuff even though I'm not engaged?

I've also thought about blogging my fashion woes. Maybe I could get tips from people and share them with ya'll? I don't know! My closet is a sad, sad place-I know that much! I always buy cute pieces but then putting together an outfit is so frustrating! Can I have Stacey and Clinton with me every day, please?

I NEED FEEDBACK, LOVELIES! I'm out of ideas! What do you want to read about?


Later Days!
Dani

PS:
I have some major time to kill today and tomorrow. A lovely ice/snow storm has fallen upon North Texas and the schools are closed so therefore, I'm off work and kinda can't go anywhere! A perfect time to write, right? Sound off in the comments!

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Something new!

Well hello!

I've started reading Jenni's blog, Story of My Life and I've really fallen in love with her writing. It's like we're sitting there having a girl chat. Love that!

*Jenni, if you're reading: thank you for starting your billionth blog. If you didn't I wouldn't be inspired to finally keep up with mine. Oh, and I'm totally going to keep up with the List of Ten Tuesday. ;]

So here we go, lovelies! My first List of Ten Tuesday!
And yes, I'm aware it's almost Wednesday. It's the effort and actually making the darn list that counts!

Ten Things I'm Looking Forward to This Holiday Season!
(and in no particular order)

1) The Christmas Music
As a former band nerd and lover of all music, I have to say Christmas music is in my top 3 genres. 103.7 started being the "100% Christmas Station" last week, and I crank the tunes in my car and sing at the top of my lungs. I'm positive the car next to me at the stop light can hear my horrid singing, but I could care less.

2) Shopping
What's tragic here is I LOVE shopping during the Holidays, but I don't have enough funds. One of the downfalls of working in childcare, unfortunately. I love buying someone a gift and watching them open it! If only I my wrapping skills were better than stuffing it into a bag and sticking tissue on top...

3) The Atmosphere
How can you not feel the joy and love in the air?! And the smell of Christmas?! I can't even describe it, but it's amazing.

4) Starbucks Holiday Drinks
Need I say more?
Psst! I found out they have the peppermint flavoring all year round! Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, anyone?!

5) Decorations
Totally wished my family wore Santa hats while decorating...
My parents bought a new tree last year (pre-lit, woohoo!) and Mom said she would no longer decorate the tree with our "hodge-podge" ornaments. This kinda broke my heart, but I understand. Me and my sisters aren't little kids anymore. So instead of looking at The Rescuers and other various Disney and baby picture ornaments, it is candy cane themed. Lots of red, white and silver! Mom even made a big bow for the top with long curly tails to go down the tree. Now if only I could convince Mom and Dad to start decorating OUTSIDE again...

6) The Weather
Okay, let's be honest: winter rarely EVER looks like that in North Texas. Although we did have a white Christmas last year! Am I hoping for another one? Yes. Will it really happen two years in a row? Doubtful. Because Texas is unbearably hot during the summer months, I count down the days to fall and winter. I thrive in the colder months, and my cutest clothes are meant to be worn then. I paid my dues by dealing with the heat on a slanted parking lot during marching practice for four years in high school. You will NEVER hear me say, "I can't wait for summer!" If I could, I'd migrate North for the summer (or just stay there all year round).

7) Being Unabashed About Hint Dropping
As Christmas draws closer, do you find yourself pointing out things at the store or in a catalog while casually saying, "Ooooh I'd LOVE to have that!" Yeah, me too. If you said no, you're a big fat liar!

8) Family
(Me and my sisters two years ago. Aren't we precious?)
I love my family. We have our moments where we bicker and argue, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Family is what should be most important during the holidays. Not the material things-FAMILY. Which leads me to...

9) Traditions
On Christmas Eve my family has two traditions: we open one small gift, and instead of a formal dinner, we eat snacky-finger-type-foods. I know the first one isn't too uncommon, but I feel the second one is really my family's. Mom has tried several times to let go of the finger-foods tradition, but me and my sisters fight it everytime! Mom makes meatballs, fudge and other baked goods, and we'll have chips and dip, QUESO (LOVE my Mom's queso!) and cheese and crackers. Why fix it if it ain't broke? It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without the finger foods!

and finally

10) Charity
I don't always get to participate in charity, but when I can, I love to adopt a tree angel. I feel every child deserves a decent Christmas (one gift from Santa is better than none). They set up an angel tree at the school I work at every year. I think me and my co-worker are going to adopt one together. I've been telling my kiddos that helping our fellow man during the holidays is important, and I love how well they respond to it. Our center is gathering items for a children's grief support center, and they are SO excited to participate! I'm lucky to have such a great group of kids to work with! :]


How'd I do?! I think Thankful Thursdays are only during November, so I'll do my first and only one for this year in a few days! For now, I need some sleep! I'm off tomorrow and seeing Harry Potter for the second time! I won't wear eye makeup this time, I learned my lesson from the midnight showing :'[

Later Days!
Dani

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Fall is here!...well, sorta.

Hey!

Did you notice the decor change?! Oh yes, lovelies. Texas has officially started to get the Fall weather memo! It isn't as cool as I'd like it to be, but it's so much better than dealing with over 100-degree heat! Barbara said we're experiencing an "indian summer." It's still a bit warm during the day but it's nice and cool at night! Can't wait to wear my sweaters and boots...just thinking about it makes me giddy! My marker that fall is really here though? There's this huge tree a few houses down and it gets completely golden right before the leaves fall. It's so beautiful! When that tree is a golden fall color...that's when I know! I'm hoping we start seeing high's in the upper 60s/lower 70s soon. We have a cold front coming in later this week, so fingers crossed!!

My birthday came and went. I am now officially uninsured. Hooray? It isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I have plenty of supplies to hold me over until January. However, Dad told me I would only be receiving medical coverage when I'm reinstated. I'll have to buy my own dental and vision. I think until I get a better job anyways, that's fine. My teeth aren't rotting, and my eyes haven't really changed...so I think I'll survive. I just need to eat better, be more active and take LOTS of vitamin C! Don't want to get sick without insurance!

Also, I haven't stepped foot in my gym since JUNE. Horrible!! I'm going to try my best to get my butt back there at least twice a week starting tomorrow! I've been staying up WAY too late reading and by the time I wake up, I need to get ready for work. Yeah, definitely lame.

That's about all I have for now. I'll try to be a better blogger, I promise!!


Later Days!
Dani

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Meet Ruby!

I have some very exciting news!
I bought a car!! Yup, you read that right! A car!

My little sister bought a 2008 Toyota Yaris on Monday. When she went back to the dealership on Tuesday, to sign all her paperwork, I went along. After she was done, she had to go back to work and Dad and I talked with Bryan in financing. I found out I had an impeccable credit score (yay for keeping up with my monthly payments)! Also, since I had recently received my Associate's degree, I was eligible for the Graduate program! Being eligible for that meant I could buy a new car with a very, very low financing rate. Oh, and I was able to trade in my little white Chevy S-10 and got $1,000 for it! Not too bad!

I know you're wondering exactly what car I bought! Here it is!
A 2010 Toyota Corolla!






It was a good time to get out of my truck. Why? It was over 100,000 miles, and probably would have crapped out on me within the next 6 months. The fact we got $1,000 for a trade-in is pretty awesome. The White Knight was a great first car. It got me from point A to point B, it was already paid off, and with the driving I did in high school, it was good for gas. However, now that I'm doing a lot more driving, and I'm going to be working two jobs (one in Hurst, the other in Southlake) every day, I needed a car with better gas mileage.

That's where the Corolla comes in. It gets about 38 miles to the gallon! A huuuuge difference from my truck. I think the truck was only getting about 18 miles? Yeah, I'll be saving a lot of money per month on gas.
Did I mention I got a screaming deal on this car? It's worth $20k, I believe it was listed for $17k and I got it for about $13k! Apparently, it was sitting on the lot for over 300 days. In the dealership business, if a car is sitting on the lot for over 90 days, the dealership has to start paying a ridiculous amount of money just to keep it there. So, they were really anxious to get it off their hands. With my credit score, trade-in, and the graduate program, I will only pay $299 per month. For a brand new car, I think that's pretty good!

Since my truck had a name (The White Knight), I had to name this beauty! Her name is Ruby! My best friend, Diana suggested the name and I loved it! Diana also put some lucky money in my car. She is Greek, and whenever someone buys a new car, they put money in it to bring good luck. So she had put some change under my mats....unfortunately, I forgot to mention this to the dealership when they detailed the car while I was signing my paperwork and they vacuumed up my lucky Greek money. I was actually really disappointed! And I'm not going to ask her to put more change in my car!

I'm really happy about this!! Having a reliable car is such a relief! So, if you're ever in the area and wanting to go out, let me know! I'll definitely want to drive! ;]


Later Days!
Dani

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A different path

Have you ever just kicked yourself for not doing something differently? That's what I'm doing right now.
I'm kicking myself for not learning a skill and getting a job in that field. Ohhhh no, I had to go to school for three years and get a degree that pretty much says, "Look! I took a bunch of basic courses!" Where that's commendable, sticking with school, an Associate's degree isn't going to get me a job. So, I've decided to look into some programs at TCC (I know, just when I think I'm done there, I go right back).

I am seriously considering nursing. I have been told by many people (strangers included!) that I should be a nurse. I know there is a dire need for nurses, and since my head is in a better place...why not? There was a time when I really thought about going into nursing, but I was always told (by myself and others) because of my learning disability with math, nursing wouldn't be possible for me. I'm starting to think differently. I have to count carbohydrates, and figure out how much insulin I'm going to take. I know how to count milligrams and what not for pills, so why can't I get past my learning disability? I made an appointment with the DSS (special services) office for Monday morning. Ms. Hill helped me when I first got to TCC, I'm sure she can help me out now. Back in middle school, I had so many grand maul seizures, my math retention skills went out the window. If I am taught something, I won't remember how to do it five minutes later. It's as if I wasn't in class. So, at the end of high school, I was tested and I do indeed have a learning disability. Instead of taking the senior level math TAKS, I took a 7th grade level (and passed). Because I had all the right paper work, and had all the ARD meetings at the end of my senior year in high school, TCC waved my required math course, and I took a computer course instead (and did well in it). I'm not going to spend all that time taking the prerequisite classes if the Nursing Program won't wave my required math course. So I guess we'll find out Monday if it's a go or no-go.

The other program I'm looking into to is Surgical Technology. You know the people who are responsible for the inventory of what tools are used during a surgery so nothing gets sewn inside the patient? Yeah, that. I looked at the prerequisite courses, and no math is needed. I would need to take Anatomy and Physiology I and II, but I think if I really buckle down, I can do it.

So that's where I'm at, lovelies. I'm tired of getting e-mails back from companies I've applied to saying, "Thanks, but you're not what we're looking for" (in so many words). I want to get into a field that has meaning, and I want to do something I enjoy. I think I belong in the medical field. I think the meeting with Ms. Hill is going to start me on my journey.
Keep your fingers crossed....or send me good thoughts/vibes or pray for me. Whatever is more comfortable for you! ;]


Later Days!
Dani

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